Congress leaves it to government to decide on action on Gandhi book

Congress today left it to the government to decide on the action on a controversial book on Mahatma Gandhi, which has been banned by Gujarat.

"Gandhi is too big...too large, a legend ...his persona is far great...which could be touched much less affected by insult, slander or criticism. Gandhi himself was so magnanimous," party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters in reply to a volley of questions.

At the same time, it does not mean that people can take potshots at him at will, he said.

He noted that the Pulitzer prize-winning author Joseph Lelyveld of "Great Soul; Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle With India" has repeatedly denied the meaning attributed to certain portions in the book which has raked up a controversy.

"We do not want to dignify such observations....Gandhi has an incomparable status. We leave it to the Government to consider all appropriate actions," he said.

Lelyveld has opposed a ban on the book, describing the move as "shameful".

Union law minister M Veerappa Moily has already said that there were no plans for any fresh law or changes in existing laws to deal with publications which cast aspersions on national heroes like Mahatma Gandhi.

The book has already been banned by Gujarat and Maharasthra is comtemplating banning it.